Oklahoma Lawmaker Supports Expanding 'Make My Day' Law

State Senator Steve Russell is exploring the possibility of enhancing the state's 'Make My Day' law which allows the use of deadly force in the home and, in certain situations, businesses. He hopes to expand the protections for businesses.

OKLAHOMA CITY -

A push to strengthen the rights of citizens across the state is on the agenda as Oklahoma lawmakers look at the 2012 legislative session as a time to expand the rights of gun owners.

State Senator Steve Russell said Sunday he is working to strengthen Second Amendment rights.

"I think it's important constitutionally," explained Russell. "What we see are homeowners able to save their own lives and business men and women able to save their own lives. We have to keep that in view."

Several lawmakers, including Senator Russell, will push hard during the 2012 legislative session to give citizens more of an opportunity to protect themselves. Russell said protecting the use of deadly force in self-defense situations is important and that could mean expanding the "Make My Day" law.

"You certainly have the right to protect yourself and we would encourage everyone to do that if they are in fear of their life," said Midwest City Police Chief Brandon Clabes.

"In Midwest City in the last 15 months, this is our third homicide that we've had where a homeowner has been able to protect themselves under the Oklahoma Make My Day Law."

Authorities deemed several deadly shootings in the past year justified because of "Make My Day" including a shooting last week in Clabes' Midwest City.

There has been talk of expanding the "Make My Day" law to include the use of deadly force against a person who peacefully enters a business with a violent intent. Russell said he was not aware of an actual bill filed in the Oklahoma legislature just yet, but said he understood why it could be a good provision.

"If your life is threatened, you know when that moment is," explained Russell. "You know when your life is in grave danger and you know that you have no other choice."

He said the need for greater self-defense protections is simple, "It's our God-given right. Criminals will never have any regard for any laws that we implement."